Top 10 affordable Valentine’s Day date ideas

Love, it doesn’t cost a thing. Except when you’re trying to impress your one and only. Here are some excellent ways to be super romantic this February without spending massive bucks.

Find Love in the library

Bodleian Library, Oxford
Take a mini tour of one of the oldest libraries in Europe. The Bodleian Library in Oxford is the main research library of the University of Oxford and it is proper romantic. For just £6 per person, you can view the most beautiful parts of the library, such as the 15th-century Divinity School and the Duke Humfrey’s medieval library, in just 30 minutes. Best start swotting up on some literary sweet nothings.
bodleian.ox.ac.uk/whatson/visit/tours/info

Pre-Raphaelite romance

Guildhall Art Gallery, London
Home to a collection of masterpieces including 17th-century portraits and Pre-Raphaelite paintings, the Guildhall Art Gallery offers a dramatic setting for a date. It even boasts a 2,000-year-old gladiator ring hidden under the Guildhall. Who knew? This is a hidden gem of a London museum and better yet, entry is free.
cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/visit-the-city/attractions/guildhall-galleries/Pages/guildhall-art-gallery.aspx

First class fish ‘n’ chips

Bankers, Brighton
Okay, so fish and chips might not necessarily be the go-to food for lovers but what could be more romantic than tucking into a hearty portion of this classic British dish when by the seaside? Head to Bankers on Western Road in Brighton and pick up a scrummy takeaway of the good stuff before making your way to the seafront. Wrap up warm, it’s February after all.
bankersfishandchips.co.uk

Capture the castle

Cardiff Castle, Cardiff
Cardiff Castle’s walls and fairy-tale towers conceal 2,000 years of history. It is one of Wales’ leading heritage attractions and is a beautiful place to visit. Love will most definitely be in the air as you explore the grounds, including the castle apartments, the wartime shelters, a tour of the house to the Norman Keep and more. Tickets cost £12.50 per person.
cardiffcastle.com/must-see

Play arcade games with your amour

Namco Funscape, London
Break the ice during a first date and embrace the arcade madness at Namco Funscape. From bowling to pool, table tennis to dodgems and, of course, awesome arcade games; there won’t be a dull moment between you and the apple of your eye as you while away hours of fun together.
namcofunscape.com/london

A view to remember

Cabot Tower and Brandon Hill Park, Bristol
Brandon Hill is Bristol’s oldest park and there’s lots to enjoy here including a nature conservation area and some beautiful winding paths. While here, you must visit Cabot Tower, which is set in the parkland near Park Street. Climb the narrow tower stairs and bask in the glorious views of Bristol once you reach the top.
visitbristol.co.uk

Cosy-up at the cinema

Everyman Screen on the Green, London (Islington)
Plush premier seats, two-person sofas, table service – what’s not to love about the Everyman Screen on the Green in north London? With its neon-lit building front and luxury interior, couples can enjoy a perfectly cosy night out at the movies.
everymancinema.com/screen-on-the-green

Dream boat trip

Pulteney Cruisers, Bath
Hop on board with Pulteney Cruisers, one of Bath’s long-running boat tour operators. Sit back and relax as you cruise along the River Avon to the village of Bathampton and back again in a scenic one-hour trip. Enjoy the abundance of wildlife as you glide along – and maybe steal a glance at your loved one in this unique setting while you’re at it. Prices are £9 per adult.
pulteneycruisers.com

Cheeky chocolate cafe

Said, London (Soho)
Oh my, this glorious chocolate shop will delight sweet-toothed readers. Find a seat for a cup of thick, rich cocoa and admire the luxurious heaps of chocolate displayed within this mouth-watering dessert parlour. Gooey chocolate cakes, quirky sweet and savoury salads and scoops of ice cream are all on the menu.
said.it

Starry-eyed stargazing

Leigh Woods, Bristol
On the other side of the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge lies Bristol’s Leigh Woods. On a clear night, head out for a wander and reconnect with nature, making sure to look up to the skies above as they wink and shimmer with hundreds and thousands of bright white stars.
nationaltrust.org.uk/leigh-woods